Hornets vs Pelicans NBA Picks Experts Give Analysis 3/23

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Game Preview: Hornets vs. Pelicans - NBA Picks Experts Give Analysis for Tonight's Cross-Conference Game

The Charlotte Hornets (23-50, 14th in the Eastern Conference) travel to the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (35-37, 12th in the Western Conference) in this exciting out-of-conference match-up. With both teams looking to improve their playoff chances, this game holds greater importance than just a regular season game. Despite being 11-26 on the road this season, the Hornets are third in the Eastern Conference with 11.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Nick Richards averaging 2.3. Terry Rozier is averaging 21.4 points and 5.1 assists for the Hornets, while Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 21.7 points and 5.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. On the other hand, the Pelicans have gone 23-13 at home and rank ninth in the league with 25.8 assists per game led by CJ McCollum averaging 5.9. Brandon Ingram also contributes to the Pelicans' offensive firepower averaging 20.4 points and 4.9 assists over the last 10 games for New Orleans. The two teams will face off for the second time this season, with the Pelicans defeating the Hornets 124-112 in their last meeting on October 21st. However, tonight's game may play out differently as both teams have changed significantly since then. NBA picks experts and computer predictions have this game as a close one, with some slight favor toward the Pelicans. But as we know, anything can happen in the NBA, and both teams have a lot to play for in this cross-conference clash. Stay tuned for more analysis and predictions leading up to tip-off.

Hornets: Offensive Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets have had a tough season so far, standing at the 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23-50. Their offense has been mediocre at best, ranking 27th in points per game (111.3) and 30th in effective field goal percentage (51.3%). Their offense heavily relies on Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. who have been performing well lately. Rozier is averaging 21.4 points and 5.1 assists per game, while Oubre Jr. is averaging 21.7 points and 5.1 rebounds over the last 10 games. However, the Hornets will have a tough time against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have a decent defense and a better offensive game. The Hornets' lack of offensive creativity will make it easier for the Pelicans to defend against them. The Pelicans rank 11th in the league in points per game (114.0) and their offensive game is led by CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. McCollum is averaging 21 points and 5.9 assists, while Ingram is averaging 20.4 points and 4.9 assists over the last 10 games. The Hornets also struggle with turnovers, averaging 13.9 per game and ranking 13th in the league. The Pelicans' defense, which ranks 11th in the league in opponent points per game, will take advantage of that weakness and force more turnovers. Overall, based on the stats and the predictions by the NBA picks experts, the Pelicans are favourites to win this game. The Hornets will need to work on their offensive game to keep up with the Pelicans, who have a better all-around game. The best NBA bets today would be to bet on the Pelicans, with best nba picks being on the Pelicans to win with a spread.

Hornets: Defensive Analysis

When it comes to defense, the Charlotte Hornets are not in a good position heading into their game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Hornets are ranked 27th in the league in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 117.4 points per game to their opponents. Additionally, their opponent today, the Pelicans, have an offense that is ranked 16th in the league, scoring an average of 114 points per game. This means that the Hornets will have to step up their defense if they hope to come away with a win. However, it's not all bad news for the Hornets' defense. They are ranked sixth in the league in fastbreak points allowed, giving up only 11.9 fastbreak points per game to their opponents. This shows that the Hornets are able to get back on defense quickly and prevent their opponents from scoring easy baskets in transition. Another area where the Hornets excel defensively is in their ability to block shots. They are ranked seventh in the league in blocks per game, averaging 5.2 blocks per game. This is largely due to the presence of shot-blocking specialist, Cody Zeller, who averages 1.2 blocks per game. Overall, the Hornets' defense will have their work cut out for them against the Pelicans' offense. They will need to tighten up their defense, particularly in the paint, where the Pelicans average 53.5 points per game. If they are able to limit the Pelicans' scoring opportunities and continue to excel in areas where they have been successful this season, such as blocking shots and preventing fastbreak points, they may be able to pull off an upset victory.

Pelicans: Offense Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a decent offensive season so far, averaging 114.0 points per game, which ranks them 16th in the league. However, they have struggled in the last 10 games, averaging only 112.0 points per game while shooting 48.7% from the field. Despite not having their star player Zion Williamson, the Pelicans still have some potent scorers in CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. McCollum is averaging 21 points and 5.9 assists per game, while Ingram is averaging 20.4 points and 4.9 assists over the last 10 games. The Pelicans have been strong at home, going 23-13, and rank ninth in the league with 25.8 assists per game. However, they will face a tough challenge against the Charlotte Hornets, who are third in the Eastern Conference with 11.3 offensive rebounds per game. It will be important for the Pelicans to improve their shooting efficiency, as they rank 17th in effective field goal percentage (54.1%) and 19th in three-point percentage (35.7%). A strong performance from McCollum and Ingram will be crucial to secure a win against the Hornets. When making NBA picks, experts and computer predictions will likely favor the Pelicans for this game. However, they will need to work hard and execute well on offense if they want to come out on top. NBA picks and parlays may also favor the Pelicans, but they will need to improve their odds with a strong offensive performance.

Pelicans: Defensive Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Charlotte Hornets in a cross-conference game on March 23, 2023. As the Pelicans prepare for this matchup, it's important to analyze their defensive performance so far this season. The Pelicans have a record of 35-37 and currently rank 12th in the Western Conference. Despite their struggles, they have been solid on the defensive end, allowing an average of 113 points per game, which ranks 14th in the league. They also have a positive average score margin of +1.0, which ranks 11th in the league. One of the strengths of the Pelicans' defense is their ability to limit their opponents' fastbreak points. They only allow an average of 14.0 fastbreak points per game, which ranks 17th in the league. This will be important against the Hornets, who average 15.4 fastbreak points per game, ranking 6th in the league. The Pelicans also do a good job of defending the paint, allowing an average of 49.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the league. This will be crucial against a Hornets team that averages 53.7 points in the paint per game, ranking 8th in the league. The Pelicans will need to rely on strong interior defense from players like Jonas Valanciunas to limit the Hornets' scoring opportunities in the paint. Another strength of the Pelicans' defense is their ability to force turnovers. They average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the league. However, they will need to step up their steal game against the Hornets, who average 6.7 turnovers per game, ranking 5th in the league. In terms of injuries, the Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson, who is out with a hamstring injury. However, they still have a solid defensive lineup with players like CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Jonas Valanciunas. Overall, the Pelicans have a solid defensive team that can limit their opponents' scoring opportunities. They will need to continue relying on their strengths and stepping up their defensive efforts against a solid Hornets team to secure a victory.

Injury Report

As the Charlotte Hornets visit the New Orleans Pelicans for their cross-conference game, both teams have some key players that are out due to injuries. For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson is still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, while E.J. Liddell is also out with a knee issue. Jose Alvarado will also miss the game due to a tibia injury. Meanwhile, the Hornets will be playing without LaMelo Ball, who is out for the season due to an ankle injury. Mark Williams is also out with a thumb injury, while Cody Martin is sidelined with a knee injury. These injuries could have an impact on the game, as several key players will be missing on both teams. Fans and NBA picks experts will be keeping an eye on how the teams adjust without these players in the game.

Betting Trends Analysis

The Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans will face off in a cross-conference game on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Here's a breakdown of the betting trends for both teams: The Pelicans have gone 23-13 at home this season, while the Hornets are just 11-26 on the road. The Pelicans have the better record overall, with a 35-37 record compared to the Hornets' 23-50 record. CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans in assists, averaging 5.9 per game, while Brandon Ingram has been playing well lately, with 20.4 points and 4.9 assists over the last 10 games. Meanwhile, Terry Rozier leads the Hornets in points and assists, averaging 21.4 points and 5.1 assists per game. In terms of recent performance, the Pelicans have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 112.0 points per game and shooting 48.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points per game. The Hornets, on the other hand, are 3-7 in their last 10 games, averaging 102.8 points per game and shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.5 points per game. In terms of injuries, the Pelicans will be without Zion Williamson (hamstring) and E.J. Liddell (knee), while the Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Mark Williams (thumb), and Cody Martin (knee). Overall, the Pelicans have the better betting trends, with a better home record, better recent performance, and fewer injuries. However, the Hornets have had success on the fastbreak and with offensive rebounds, so they could capitalize on those areas to potentially upset the Pelicans. As always, it's important to consider NBA picks and predictions from experts and computers before making any bets. Predicted Outcome: The New Orleans Pelicans are favorites to win the game against the Charlotte Hornets. However, it is important to note that the Hornets are a strong team on the road and have done well in out-of-conference games this season. With Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. leading the offense, the Hornets have the potential to pull off an upset. It will be a close game, but the Pelicans will ultimately prevail with their strong home record and solid assist game led by CJ McCollum.

Pick: Charlotte Hornets (+4.5)